Nasseem Nunley of Jacksonville, Florida, faced federal charges this week after an investigation revealed he had allegedly embezzled around $22 million from the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars. Nunley allegedly stole the funds while employed by the team from 2014 through 2019.
The criminal complaint states that Nunley had worked as an accountant for the Jaguars since 2014, and during his time with the team began writing checks to himself. The complaint claims that Nunley used the stolen money to fund his own lavish lifestyle, including multiple homes, luxury cars, and high-end clothing and jewelry.
In a statement, the Jaguars said they were “shocked and deeply disappointed at the betrayal” by Nunley. The team is now working with federal investigators to determine the exact extent of the loss and to develop an action plan to protect the organization from such activities in the future.
This case illustrates the potential harm of employee fraud and highlights the importance of strong internal controls to protect organizations from this kind of financial theft. While it is unclear yet how Nunley managed to escape detection for so long, it is an example of why it is so important to have a team of independent auditors, preferably from outside the organization, to check all financial transactions.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have now suffered a major financial setback due to the alleged actions of an employee, and the team is sure to take all necessary steps to ensure nothing like this happens ever again. It is a stark reminder of the need for companies to remain vigilant in protecting finances and resources, and to ensure the safety and security of members of their teams.